Shower head



Patentecl Jan. 22, 1952 Irving H. Russell, Oak Park, and-William Elvis Sloan, River Forest, 111., asslgnors to Sloan' Valve Company,-hicago, 111., a corporationob I, Dis w Application April '22, 1949, Serial No. 89,068

The present invention relates to shower heads for use in shower baths and the like, and the principal object of the invention is to provide a new and improved shower head which is auto- I matically self-cleaning in action. 7

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved shower head which flushes out sediment and foreign deposits automatically each time the shower headis used.

An additional object is to provide an improved shower head which will automatically discharge all residual water remaining in the shower head after use, so there is no subsequent dribble of water when the water supply is shut off.

A still further object is to provide a shower head in which the water dispersing disc is positioned normally in spaced relation to the shower casing outlet and responsive to water pressure in the casing is automatically moved into spray discharge engagement with the casingoutlet.

A further object of the invention is to provide a new and improved shower head in which the water dispersing disc is automatically moved in the direction with the water flow through the shower head into spray discharge engagement with the casing outlet and upon cessation of water flow is automatically moved back again to provide a wide gap for quick emission of residual water in the casing and to flush out sediment.

Other objects of the invention are to provide a new and improved shower head which is simple and durable in construction, is eificient and reliable in operation, and eliminates constant maintenance and service.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention consists of certain novel features of construction, operation and combinations of elements which will be more fully described and pointed out hereinafter.

Referring to the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view through a shower head embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a similar sectional view showing the shower head in operative position with water flowing through the device;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary top view of the water dispersing disc;

Fig. 4is a side view of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 shows an enlarged fragmentary crosssection of the disc and cap; while Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional elevation of another form of the invention.

Manyshower heads in use at the present time are provided with a manually operated handle which is connected to an adjustable water dis reclaims. (01. 299 -59) persing' disc arranged-so that the disc may be raised or lowered in the spray outlet of the easing to regulate the type of jet discharge desired by the user. After use-of-this shower head, the

handle must-be again operated to lower the water dispersing disc so that a large gap exists between the-casing and thedisc to permit the waterto flush out the-shower-head. In still other'shower heads in common usage, the water dispersing disc is adapted to be manuallyscrewed outward from the spray discharge opening to permit flushing out of the sedimentwhen necessary. v

In both of theseprior devices, the accumulation of lime deposits and sediment results in gradual unsatisfactory operation of the shower head, because it has been foundfrom observation that the-user often neglects to fullyopen the-water dispersing disc-to flush out the shower head-so that eventually the jet discharge grooves become clogged up. This necessitates frequent cleaning and maintenance, and often replacement of the entire shower-head.

The foregoing disadvantages have-been overcome by the present invention, in which the shower headisentir'ely automatically self-cleaning. The device instantly discharges the accumulated-water in the shower head after the supply valves have been turned off, flushing out the head, and at the same time eliminating the annoying dribble usually encountered in prior shower heads.- The spray discharge passages therefore cannot become clogged up. and will always'provide the desired spray characteristics without attention whatsoever bythe user.

*Referring now particularly to Fig. 1' of the drawings, this discloses a preferred embodiment of the invention arranged for installation in a shower stall or above a bath tub in the customary manner. The shower head comprises a bellshaped loody or'cas'ingihaving a cape threaded on the openend-thereof, this cap having a pe ripheral fiange'as shown. At theupper end, the casing 5 has a-necl; portion 1, upon which a coupling nut sis threaded for holding a universal or ball joint 9- againstthe packing l0, this arrangement serving to'provide a universal joint so that the shower head can be swung in any-direction in accordance with the desires of the user. An internally'threaded nipple H is preferably formedintegral withthe ball 9 and is provided with a manually operated throttle l2 in the side thereof,

so that the water-flow into the shower head may be regulated'to compensatefor various water supply pressures. The nipple and ball 9 arealso providedwith an internal bore or passage l3 forpassage of the water supply into the shower head.

Arranged axially within the shower head casing 5 is a supporting stem I5, having a recessed portion I6 at its upper end, the rim of which is adapted for abutting engagement with the protruding ring I1 formed in the upper end of the casing 5. Arrangedon opposite side walls of the stem recess I6 is'a pair of orifices I8 which serve for the passage of water from the recess I6 into an upper chamber 20 in the casing 5. The lower enlarged end of the casing 5 comprises a chamber 2|, through which the lower end of stem I5 projects. The body of stem I5 has slidable engagement with a projecting ring portion 23 formed in the casing 5 at the junction of the upper chamber 20 and lower chamber 2|. This ring portion 23 provides a close fit as indicated at 22, for guiding the upper end of stem I5 in its reciprocating movement. A compression spring 24 is preferably arranged to encircle the stem I5 and normally urges the stem into its upward position in engagement with the protruding ring I1, as shown in Fig. 1.

At its lower end, compression spring 24 rests against the top side of a guiding plate 25, arranged across the open end of casing 5 and clamped into position on the body by the cap 6. This plate 25 has a series of orifices 26 arranged around it for the passage of the water therethrough and which orifices are of greater area than the orifices I8 in the top of stem I5. At its lower end, stem I5 rigidly supports a water dispersing disc 21 which is clamped to the end of the stem between a pair of washers 28 and 29 by means of screw 30. The periphery of the water dispersing disc 21 is provided with a series of alternate shallow and deep grooves indicated generally at 3|, each having at the sides thereof an angular outer seating portion 32, which is adapted to engage the angular and parallel surface 33 formed on the inner side of the threaded cap 6 to establish water dispersing contact therewith. In the normal position as shown in Fig. 1

a relatively large opening or gap 34 is presentv between the grooves 3I and the surface 33 of cap 6. This large opening 34 permits the instant discharge of any accumulated water which may be present in the interior of the body 5 after the water supply has been turned off by the user. It likewise serves to flush out any sediment that may have accumulated during the use of the shower head. The dispersing disc 21 is preferably made of Bakelite in order to prevent the formation of lime deposits thereon.

Referring now to the hydraulic operation of the shower head, as shown in Fig. 2, the flow regulating valve I2 may be turned open any degree when it is desired to use the shower head, while the hot and cold water supply inlet valves provided with a shower, are opened to admit the proper mixture of hot and cold water. This mixed water of the desired temperature flows through the nipple inlet II, the passage I3 and into the upper chamber 20 of the casing 5. Since this chamber 20 is blocked at this time as in Fig. 1, no water can flow until the water pressure has built up sufliciently to overcome the tension of spring 24. When this occurs, the supporting stem I5 is driven downward guided by the ring 23 and guiding plate 25. Subsequently, when the water dispersing disc 21 has moved to a position where it is in water dispersing engagement with the cap 6, the outer seating edges 32 of the grooves 3| will establish contact with the inclined surface 33 of cap 6, and halt the down- 4 ward movement of stem I5. in this position, the orifices I8 at the upper end of stem I5 will be in registry with the ring 23 or approximately midway between the upper chamber and lower chamber 2 I, and communication is thereby established for the water flow to take place between these two chambers. This can only occur when the water dispersing disc 21 is in spray discharge engagement with the annular opening of cap 5. Water flow further takes place through orifices I8, chamber 2|, guiding plate and its orifices 26, and out between the peripheral grooves 3| in disc 21 and inclined surface 33 of cap 6.

Referring now particularly to Fig. 3, this shows a top view of the water dispersing disc 21 with several of the grooves 3I. These grooves are V- shaped and comprise alternate deep grooves 35 and shallow grooves 36, each of which taper outwardly and downwardly from the top surface to the bottom surface of disc 21 where they all are of the same depth. As seen in Fig. 5, these shallow and deep grooves provide a jet discharge forming two concentric cone-shaped sprays 31 and 38, resulting in a uniform dispersion of the water flow. Grooves 35 may, for example, be inclined 10 degrees while grooves 36 inclined about 5 degrees from the vertical. The flat lands between the grooves in Fig. 4 are formed midway of the top and bottom surfaces of disc 21 with the inwardly sloping surfaces 32 of an angle of preferably degrees, which surfaces are arranged to contact the parallel surface 33 of the cap 6 and act as a stop for the disc 21 and to force the jet stream to follow the path defined by the inclined grooves 35 and 36 to produce the cone-shaped spray discharges 31 and 38. The 30 degree angle of the seating surfaces precludes any wedging action between these surfaces and the surface 33 of the cap 6 when these two surfaces are in spray discharge engagement.

Upon the cessation of water flow into the shower head as when the user has turned off the same, pressure is no longer exerted against the upper surface of supporting stem I5 and as a result, the compression spring 24 is free to exert its stored up energy against the stem I5, forcing it to the upward normal position against partition I! as shown in Fig. 1. This action carries along the water dispersing disc 21, which moves out of spray discharge engagement with the cap 6, resulting thereupon in producing the relatively large gap 34, permitting the accumulated water to be instantly discharged from the shower head without prolonged dripping action and flushing out any dirt or sediment which may have accumulated in the shower head during its use. The foregoing action is entirely automatic and takes place each time that the shower head is turned off.

Referring now particularly to Fig. 6, this shows a modification of the invention operating in the same general manner as the preferred embodiment. The device comprises a bell-shaped casin 40, having a cap 4I threaded on the open end of the casing 40. A hollow tube 42 is threaded into the upper portion of casing and is provided with an axial bore 43 and a pair of orifices 44 arranged in the side walls thereof. A cupshaped member 45 arranged in telescopic relation to tube 42 extends downward from tube 42 and is arranged in abutting relationship at surface 46 with the top end of casing 40. A compression spring 41 surrounds the cup member 45 and serves to normally urge the cup member 45 upwardly against the surface 46.

A thin cup-shaped washer 4,8 is clamnedvbetween the'open end'of casing 49 and the can A l and-serves to support he lower endoi compression. sprin .1:. as. shown.

At its lower end, the cup member: 45 carries a water dispersing disc 48, which is clamped thereto by means of the threaded screw 5.6-. The periphe cry of disc 49 is arranged with a series of water dispersing grooves 5i, the outer edges of which.

are adapted to establish contactwith the inclinedv inner surface 52 of the cap Al, to provide a spray discharge. Normally as shown a large annular gap 53 exists between grooves 5| and capsurface In the operation of this modification, the water pressure entering the tubular member 42 through the bore 43 builds up pressureon thebottom of cup member 45, which is thereby forced downwardly. carrying along. with .it the water dis persing disc 49. When the peripheral grooves 5| move into water dispersing contact with the. cap surface 52, the orifices i4 in tube 42 will have established communication with the chamber 5% existing around the outside of cup member 45, because member so will have its upper portion moved downward away from the casing surface 46. When the water pressure is released, the tension stored within spring M forces the parts upwardly into the normal position shown infig. 5. This again results in a relatively large gap 53 between the grooves 51 and the surface 52, which gap permits a rapid discharge of any accumulated water in the shower head, and at the same time permits the flushing out of any sediment.

The invention having been described more or less specific as to details, including the modification thereof, it is to be understood that the same is not to be limited thereby, as various changes may be made in the arrangement and proportion of the parts and elements, and that equivalents may be substitutedtherefor, all with out departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a self-cleaning shower head, a casing having a water supply inlet and anoutlet, a movable water dispersing disc positioned inside said casing and having its periphery normallyspaced away from said casing outlet, means automati cally responsive to water flow into said casing for causing said dispersing disc to move into en.- gagement with said casing outlet to produce a spray discharge, saidmeans including a stemfor. supporting said dispersing disconone end and having a recess on the other end-against. which the water pressure is exerted to move the stem, a ring portion formed in said casing below said stem recess normally blockingv water flow from said recess and for guiding said stem in its move ment, said ring portion arranged to permit water flow after said stem recess has been moved past said ring portion, the movement of said disperse ing disc being inthe direction of waterfiow through said casing, and means comprising a.

spring on said stem for again returning said disparsing disc to its normal position upon cessation of water how to provide a large opening between the dispersing disc and the casing outlet to flush out sediment and to prevent dribbling 2. In a self-cleaning shower head, a casing having a water supply inlet and an outletpa movable water dispersing disc positioned inside said casing having its periphery normally. spaced ,from said casing outlet, means automatically respons sive to water flow into said casing for causing said dispersing disc to move into engagement with said casingoutlet to produce a. spray dis: charge, said means including a stem for supports ins said dispersingdisc on one end and havin a recess on the other end against which the water pressure is exerted to move the stem. the movement of said dispersing disc being in the direc.- tion of water flow through said casing, means for preventing the emission of, said spray discharge during the movement of said dispersing disc until said dispersing disc has engaged said casin out let, said means including an upper and a lower chamber in said casing to ether with entices in said stem for establishing communication between said chambers only when said stem is moved. said means includin a rin portion formed in said casing between said chambers blockin Water flow therebetween until aid tem is moved. said ring portion also gu di gsaid s m in its movement. and sprin me ns. for rest ring said dispersing disc to its spaced posi -ion fr m the casing-outlet when the w ter flow ceases.

3 I a f-cl ning shower head. a casin having a water supply inl an an out t. a sup porting stem axially movable in Said casing, a water dispersing disc supported on the lowerend of said supp i stem and Wi hin s i casin the periphery of said dispersing disc being normally positioned in spaced relation to a d casins et. pring means for h ding s id dispers n disc in said normal position. said supporting stem having a recess therein a ainst which the inlet water pressure is exerted for automatically moving said dispersing disc into n agement with said casing outlet against the tension of said spring means whereby a spray discharge is emitted from said casing outlet, the discontinue ance of said water pressure resulting in said spring means restoring said dispersing disc to its normal position. and means for preventing the emission of said spray discharge until saiddispersing disc has engaged said casingoutlet, said means including a pressure chamber and a dis,- charge chamber in said casing together with orifices in said stem recess for establishing water flow therebetween only when said stem is moved, and a ring portion formedin said casing between said chambers blocking water flow therebetween until said stem is moved, saidring portion also guiding said stem in its movement.

4. In a self-cleaning shower head, a casing having a water supply inlet and an outlet, a supporting stem axially positioned in said casing and having orifices on the upper end thereof, a water dispersing disc supported on the lower end oi said stem, spring means arranged around said stem for normally urging said stem upwardly whereby said dispersing disc is held spaced from said casing outlet, the inlet water pressure being effective against the end of said stem to automatically force said stem downward and said dispersingdisc into engagement with said casing outlet whereby a spray discharge is emitted, means to prevent water flow until said stem has been moved far enough so that said dispersing disc has engaged said casing outlet, said means including a pressure chamber in said casing into which the upper end of said stern projects to close off the chamber until the orifices are moved downward out of said chamber, and a ring portion formed in said casing between said chambers blocking water flow therebetween until said stem is moved, said ring portion also guiding said stem in its movement, the cessation of water flow being efiective to cause said dispersing disc to.

' move away from said casing outlet whereby sedie ment is flushed out of said casing and dribbling is eliminated.

. 5. In a self-cleaning shower head, a casing having a water supply inlet and an outlet, a supporting stem axially slidable in said casing and having orifices on the upper end thereof, said casing having a ring portion through which said stem extends to divide said casing into an upper and a lower chamber, a water dispersing disc supported on the lower end of said stem, spring means around said stem normally holding said stem upwardly so the dispersing disc is held spaced from said casing outlet and the stem orifices are disposed in the upper chamber of said casing, the inlet water pressure into said casing upper chamber being effective against the end of said stem to automatically drive said stem downward and said dispersing disc into engagement with said casing outlet, said stem orifices being at the same time moved to a position opposite said casing ring portion to establish water flow communication between the upper and lower casing chambers, said water flow communication being only established at the time said dispersing disc has engaged said casing outlet whereby a spray discharge is emitted from said outlet.

6. In a self-cleaning shower head, a casing having a water supply inlet and an outlet, a supporting stem axially positioned in said casing and having orifices at its upper end thereof, a ring portion in said casing dividing said easing into an upper and a lower chamber, said stem being slidable between said chambers through said ring portion and with the stem orifices disposed normally in the upper chamber, a spring for holding said stem in its upward position, a water dispersing disc carried on the lower end of said stem in said lower chamber, said dispersing disc being disposed in spaced relation to said casing outlet, the inlet water pressure in said upper chamber being effective against the stem to automatically drive said stem downward until said stem orifices register with the lower chamber, said dispersing disc at the same time being moved into engagement with said casing outlet, whereby water flow takes place from the upper to the lower chamber and a spray discharge is emitted from the casing outlet, said spring being efiective upon cessation of water flow to restore said stem and dispersing disc to their initial position, and means in said casing for guiding the movement of said stem.

'7. In a self-cleaning shower head, a casing having a water supply inlet and an outlet, a water-dispersing disc movably supported in said casing with its periphery normally spaced from the outlet thereof, means responsive to water pressure within said casing for automatically moving said dispersing disc into water dispersing engagement with said casing outlet, said means including a pressure chamber in said casing and supporting means for said dispersing disc slidable in said chamber and actuated by the water pressure, the periphery of said disc being provided with alternate shallow and deep grooves to produce two concentric cone-shaped spray discharges, and seating edges on said disc between adjacent grooves for contacting said casing outlet to stop the automatic movement of said disc, said seating edges being spaced midway between the top and bottom surfaces of said disc so that the lower peripheral portion of said disc projects entirely through said casing outlet and beyond the same to guide the spray discharge into a downward and outwardly extending spray pattern.

8. In a. self-cleaning shower head, a casing having a water supply inlet and an outlet, a water dispersing disc movably supported in said casing with its periphery normally spaced from the outlet thereof, means responsive to water pressure within said casing for automatically moving said dispersing disc into water dispersing engagement with said casing outlet, said means including a pressure chamber in said casing and supporting means for said dispersing disc slidable in said chamber and actuated by the water pressure, the periphery of said disc being provided with alternate shallow and deep grooves to produce two concentric cone-shaped spray discharges, and seating edges on said disc between adjacent grooves for contacting said casing outlet to stop the automatic movement of said disc, said grooves being tapered outwardly from the top surface of said disc to the bottom surface thereof and having the seating edges between the grooves disposed at an angle parallel to the easing outlet when in spray discharge engagement therewith.

9. In a self-cleaning shower head, a casing having a water supply inlet and an outlet, a water dispersing disc within said casing normally spaced apart from said outlet, pressure operated means for automatically causing the movement of said dispersing disc each time the shower head is used and the water turned on, said dispersing disc moving in the direction of the water flow through said casing and having a peripheral edge portion forced into contact with the outlet thereof to stop the disc and produce a spray discharge, the lower peripheral portion of said dispersing disc being projected entirely through said outlet and beyond the same to guide the spray discharge into a downward and outwardly extending spray pattern, said pressure operated means including a pressure chamber in said casing and a support for said dispersing disc having one end slidable in said pressure chamber, said support acted upon by the water pressure in said pressure chamber and projected outward therefrom, and a spring on said support for automatically restoring said support and said dispersing disc to normal position when the water is turned off, whereby said dispersing disc is again spaced apart from said casing outlet to flush sediment out of said casing and eliminate dribbling.

10. In a self-cleaning shower head, a casing having a water supply inlet and an outlet with a surrounding lip, a movable water dispersing structure movable in said casing, means for guiding it through an excursion which includes a withdrawn position at one end of the excursion and an operative position at the opposite end of the excursion, said water dispersing structure including a plunger carrying a water dispersing disc, said water dispersing structure and casing having opposed limiting parts positioned and adapted to limit the movement of said water dispersing structure to said predetermined excursion, spring means adapted normally to urge said structure toward withdrawn position in a direction opposite to the direction of water flow through said casing, said plunger having a portion adapted to close the connection between the water supply inlet and the outlet of said casing when said structure is in withdrawn position,- said spring being of insufficient strength to resistthe operating water pressure within said casing, said opposed limiting parts including portions efiective, at the outward limit of the excursion of said water dispersing structure, to hold said water dispersing disc in predetermined operative position in relation to said outlet lip, said water dispersing disc having a portion extending entirely through and beyond said outlet lip to guide the spray discharge into a. downward and outwardly extending pattern.

IRVING H. RUSSELL.

WILLIAM ELVIS SLOAN.

REFERENCES CITED UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Speakman Aug. 14, 1917 Number Number I Number Name Date Hewitt Nov. 26, 1929 Boyd Aug. 27, 1935 Schneider July 28, 1936 Alden Sept. 17, 1940 High Aug. 25, 1942 Bentley May 16, 1944 Ball Sept. 17, 1946 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Switzerland Mar. 8, 1889 France Sept. 10, 1934 

